Japanese knotweed hotspots in the East

Norwich, Cambridge, Colchester and Luton are some of the areas in the East blighted by high concentrations of Japanese knotweed.

New research has shown that only 19% of people in the UK can identify the plant.

The invasive species of weed can wreak havoc on buildings leaving them unsellable.

It can grow up to 10cm a day during the summer and can push through cracks in concrete and damaging drains.

Homeowners can be sued and face prosecution if Japanese knotweed spreads onto neighbouring properties.